My father and I were seated on his balcony, which overlooks a portion of the valley and faces eastward towards the halls of Lord Elrond. Ada traced the graceful arches of the balustrade with an expert finger, pointing out how the leaves and vines carven upon it were influenced by Sindarin architecture, but how the underlying structure was drawn up and constructed with Noldorin precision.
“There stands no city of the Eldar in which the craft of the Noldor remains intact and undiluted, for Gondolin has fallen, and the realm of Nargothrond as well,” Ada said with a sigh.
“Yet in the havens of our people today, the influence of the Noldor is everywhere, in the very equations and principles which the stonemasons used to construct these buildings. And even in the great cities of Men our legacy remains.”
I smiled then, glancing at the proud stone arches around the balcony. “Then every stone the Noldor have shaped tells its own story, and shall do so even when its shapers are gone.”
Ada’s face took on a more serious tone as he spoke of Eregion, and the ruins of Ost-in-Edhil.
“With the ruin of the city, countless lives were lost, but many precious volumes as well. I have noticed that some of the collections in Imladris, gathered from the ruin of Ost-in-Edhil are incomplete.” I nodded, having come across the same problem in my work for Lord Erestor.
“And several histories of the Second Age allude to books from Eregion which are now lost to history,” I replied. “It is a grievous thing, Ada, almost tantalizing when I read of these lost volumes, and know I shall never have a chance to behold them.” I made a wry face at the last statement. It seems that even when I am not obligated to work, my mind is still on my studies.
“Yet do not despair, mairenya,” he replied in his gentle voice. “I have heard that some of the Eldar have been making forays southwards towards Eregion, in order to better keep watch upon the eastward roads. Indeed, your own House has marched on campaign in that land, led by Lord Anglachelm himself. At any rate, there is reason to hope that some relics of Ost-in-Edhil may be rediscovered.” Here he paused for breath, eyes gleaming.
“If only I could travel south and gather sketches of the ruins, in order to better examine their design - but my duties to the Library prevent me from much travel. Yet I shall need such information for my treatise.” He thoughtfully rested his chin on one hand, fixing me with a calm and yet intense gaze.
“If that is true, Ada, then you must find someone to continue your research in Eregion. Perhaps someone who could gather sketches, and other information ‘in the field,’ as you have put it.”
“Yes, and I believe you would be the perfect candidate, mairenya. You have skill with a pen and ink, and Lord Erestor speaks highly of your experience with ancient texts and artifacts.”
I looked at him in astonishment. I had never thought of travelling again, not after having returned to Imladris. Yet the idea was not unappealing, for I had never seen the halls of my people in Eregion, or spent much time doing research outside of a library.
“You surprise me, Ada. But I will mention it to Lord Erestor, as my current project for the archives is drawing to a close. Yet will I not need an escort, and perhaps some more lessons with my bow and sword if I am to go?”
“Yes indeed, marienya. But there is no need to be hasty; I merely mentioned this and you seem so eager to be off. I insist that you find at least two companions who are able warriors and woodsmen to accompany you. Perhaps there may be some in Bar-en-Vanimar who know the land well. And if no one is to be found I shall request that Tingil be relieved of his duties in the Guard to accompany you, and perhaps Gilthalion as well.” Averting his gaze to the valley below, he fell silent for a moment.
I thought of the warriors of the Hammer, afield in the North searching for Themodir. The lands outside the Valley were fraught with peril, but if Eregion was again guarded by the Eldar of Imladris, I would be more at ease travelling there. And the mere thought of seeing the ruins where my people once lived gave me a thrill.
“Just think, Ada, perhaps I will be the one to find a long-lost text, or uncover a forgotten artifact. I have grown weary of waiting for the end; to abide for a while in Endore and then pass to the West. While my hands may still wield pen and harp I would not have my skills wasted. For if those of my House may brave the wilds for the love of lord and kinsman, surely I may make a less perilous journey for the love of lore and honour of the past.” I put one hand on his shoulder, eyes shining.
“Do not fear for me, Atya. I will return to you safely, and with so much new material for your research and my own that we will both be locked in our studies for days afterwards!” Smiling, I waited a moment for his response.
Ada stood up and embraced me warmly, then gestured to the door. “I have no worry for you, marienya. Tingil has told me that your sparring lessons are coming along well, and in your past travels to Mithlond you have not met with any trouble. Let us go now, before your mother and Tinwen begin to wonder if we are coming out of this study at all!” He smiled wryly and opened the study door.
As we left the room, excitement surged through my mind at the prospect of travelling to Eregion. Yet it was sobering how my Ada had changed over the yéni. I still remember the heated arguments and sharp words he exchanged with Tancamir, who desired to forsake his training as a scholar and venture out into the Wild. I would never have imagined then that Ada would one day willingly encourage me to travel abroad. But with the years, we have all changed, and are the wiser for our past griefs. This I have learned both from history and from experience. And I eagerly await the day when I shall seek wisdom among the stones of Eregion.
Notes:
mairenya - “my masterpiece” (Quenya) A term of endearment used by Uilossiel’s father Nolomir, derived from her mother-name Limmairë.
Ada - “Father” (Sindarin)
Atya - “my father” (Quenya)
